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Galentine’s Gift Guide: $50 and Under

Happy Hump Day! I am already feeling like I will need more days in the week to get things done. Aida turns two on Saturday (!!), and we are having a small party to celebrate–on top of getting ready for that, there’s Valentine’s Day coming up, plus preschool tours, preparing to move to our new house at the end of spring, and my 500 mile indoor cycle challenge going on at the gym. I am officially in the weeds.

Speaking of Valentine’s Day, there is a very special day that comes before V-Day, on February 13th: Galentine’s Day. What is Galentine’s Day, you ask? It was created by Leslie Knope (okay, technically created by the writers of Parks and Rec), and is the day to basically celebrate your besties.

As Leslie Knope says, it should be National Holiday…and this year, it seems like it’s basically an unofficial holiday, considering the amount of social media posts I’ve already seen that are about Galentine’s Day, as well as decorations and gifts in the Target Dollar spot.

In honor of the day of celebrating lady friends, I put together a guide to some of my favorite gifts that are $50 and under! These gifts are perfect for your Galentine, your Valentine, or even just for yourself! (TREAT YO SELF–another catchphrase that originated with Parks and Rec.) Let’s get to it, shall we?

Bling
I thought it might be best to break this up by category, so we’ll start with jewelry! I don’t know about you all, but I am just like that crab in Moana–I would rather be shiny!

Another worthwhile splurge would be some Kendra Scott pieces. Kendra Scott items are definitely on the pricier side, but you can find these earrings and this necklace right at $50 (I have both of these, and wear them all the time–they go with anything).

I also love the Sugarfix collection by BaubleBar for Target. They have gorgeous and trendy styles at a fantastic price! This layered pearl necklace is very similar to one I have from J.Crew, but definitely more affordable. I also love the earrings from SugarFix. It’s hard to pick favorites, but I personally love this tassel pair, and these drop earrings.

Lastly, Loft is another go-to for me when it comes to affordable jewelry. Here’s another layered necklace style that would be a perfect gift for a friend…or yourself!

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Beauty
I’m no beauty expert, but there are a few products out there that I think are wins for everyone!

Sometimes, I feel like all you need is a bold lip color to turn your day around. My personal favorites are the Dior lipsticks–I have this one in Premiere and 999. My favorite beauty blogger, Lindsay, has been recommending the NARS Audacious lipstick in Rita. I finally gave it a try and can say that I have zero regrets. I spotted this NARS lip gloss set at Nordstrom, and it would definitely make an awesome gift! Two different shades at a great price–what more could you want? (Well, free. It would be nice if it was free, but sadly, Science still hasn’t figured out how to make great beauty products grow on trees.)

Smelling nice is really nice! How’s that for a campaign slogan?! Perfume companies, hmu, I’m willing to negotiate if you want me on your marketing team. All joking aside, a rollerball of a lovely scent is an easy and affordable gift. Marc Jacobs is one of my favorites–it’s very floral and girly. Sephora has this rollerball trio, as well as a little gift set of two tiny bottles, that I find absolutely adorable! (Sidenote, Sephora is definitely the place to shop for perfumes, they have a million and one options.) And while we are talking about things that smell nice, let’s discuss MoroccanOil! Who has tried it? Who loves it?! (This girl. The curl cream is life giving.) I know this brand is pricier than average, but if you want to gift someone some very nice hair products, then go with this set. (Or gift it to yourself and thank me later.)

I know not everyone is a bubble bath person, but if you are (like me), bubble bath is EVERYTHING. Lollia is one of my favorite splurge products for bubble bath–the scents are amazing and my skin feels silky smooth afterwards. The lotions are equally amazing, and aren’t quite as pricey as the bubble bath. I also stumbled across some fun bath fizzies at Nordstrom, another gift that would make any hot-bath-appreciator very happy.

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Clothing

Sometimes, clothing can be hit or miss when you’re buying it as a gift (unless you’re buying to treat yo self, obvi!). I’ve got some tried and true classics below that’s sure to please anyone!

The Daily Tay is my go-to for comfy clothes with fun phrases. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably seen me post about the I Heart Caffeine sweatshirt a million and one times, and for good reason! It’s pink, it’s soft, and I get a million compliments when I wear it out of the house (all from parents, of course, because caffeine is our lifeblood). The “Cozy AF” sweatshirt looks like it is, well, cozy AF.

Speaking of cozy, this cardigan from Loft is everything I have needed this winter. Anytime I start to feel a chill around the house, I throw it on and I warm up instantly. It’s also a great alternative to wearing a heavy winter coat out of the house.

I don’t know about everyone else, but I love when people gift me some jammies–I never buy them for myself, so it’s great to get a new pair every once in a while. These shorts from Loft are perfect for the holiday because they have the cutest heart print!

And of course, I gotta recommend this fleece pullover from Gibson. There are a few colors that are on sale at Nordstrom right now, like this red one, but they also just added some new colors as well. These are definitely worth the purchase, full price or on sale, and they’re flattering for everyone!

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Accessories
You know what’s great about accessories? No matter how much weight you gain or lose, they still fit!

If you want to get a gift for a mom, GET HER A BACKPACK DIAPER BAG! I started using a backpack diaper bag this past summer, and I will never, ever, ever go back. It is much easier to throw on a backpack and haul around a toddler, than it is to haul around a toddler and a heavy diaper bag on my shoulder. I love this one from the Oh Joy! line at Target.

This “Bless Your Heart” tote from Draper James–I mean, I really can’t even. It is perfect for your best southern friend! (Would also be a great gift for me–note to self, buy this tote ASAP.)

Since we’re still trying to survive this miserable winter, don’t rule out cold weather gear as a gift! Any person not living in a tropical climate will love you forever if you gift them this cute beanie or super warm scarf from Loft.

When it comes to handbags, you’ve got two choices–go classic or go crazy! (But we’re talking good crazy here, of course.) This Sole Society saddlebag from Nordstrom is absolutely gorgeous, and very affordable.

Another option to consider from Nordstrom is basically anything from their BP. line–the pieces are always trendy and on point, and the prices are awesome! I love this little yellow crossbody, it would be perfect for spring.

And since we’re talking about spring and warm weather and all that is good in the world, I’m sure you know someone who would love to have this adorable Lilly bag in her life–the flap is actually reversible!

Galentine Giftables
This last category is an assortment of fun things, but I thought “misc” was a lame title, so I hopped on the alliteration train (my favorite train!) and came up with “Galentine’s Giftables.” Aren’t I clever?!? Okay, okay–honestly, it was late and I was tired.

I think most of us can agree that we need a new coffee mug like we need a hole in our heads, but how can we resist when they’re so cute and affordable! (And let’s not even get started on how cute they look in Instagram photos.) I’m obsessed with Liberty of London prints, and would LOVE one of these mugs from Anthropologie. Did anyone else pick up a Liberty of London S’Well bottle while they were at Starbucks? You bet I did.

I also love this vintage print from Nordstrom. It’s called the “vintage friendship” mug, so obviously that’s a sign you need to buy one for your bff. Also, here’s great news–Lilly Pulitzer has coffee mugs up on their website now, including this adorable cappuccino set!

If you know me, you probably aren’t surprised there’s a Capri Blue candle on this gift guide. They smell great, plus they come in the most beautiful jars that you can keep around as decor once they’re all burned out!

I shared a picture of these sunglasses on Instagram the other day–you guys, they are only $14! Perfect for Valentine’s Day, but will also be perfect for warm days ahead. (Please oh please oh please tell me warm days are coming soon!)

For the most part, I think Sugarfina gummies are overpriced–unless it’s a special occasion! This little gift box from Nordstrom is basically the perfect Galentine’s gift. Two glasses for toasting, overpriced but delicious gummy bears…all you need is pizza and Netflix and you’ve got the perfect girl’s night!

This little ceramic succulent from Nordstrom is perfect for your friends who definitely do NOT have a green thumb. (That would be me.) Finally, a plant you can’t kill!

Here’s another fun gift from Anthropologie (they always have the best things): the cutest little measuring spoons you ever did see! They have dogs painted on them! Perfect for your friend who likes to bake or cook, or for anyone who just needs more stuff with pictures of dogs. (Kind of like that skit on Portlandia, “Put a Bird On it,” except “Put a Dog on It!”)

Lastly, to close up the gift guide, are some fun stationary options from Kate Spade and Lilly Pulitzer. Everybody knows that one person who collects journals and notepads and cute pens–oh wait, I think that person is all of us. That’s how the Target Dollar Spot makes so much money.

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Well, friends, there you have it–an ultra comprehensive gift guide for Galentine’s Day! With these ideas, you should be set for Galentine’s, Valentine’s, Mother’s Day, birthdays, President’s Day, National Best Friend Day, etc, etc.

Is there anything you would add to your list? Will you be celebrating Galentine’s this year? I’m hoping to have a coffee date with some mom friends, so Aida can have a chance to celebrate Galentine’s with her besties too.

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All Love!

p.s. I’ll be working on a Bachelor recap, but it may not go live until next week. Gotta get this party in order and celebrate my girl’s second birthday!